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Summary of Content: Writes about his trial for conspiracy against the United States. States that the vindictive temper and conduct of Judge Thomas Rodney have induced him to withdraw from public view. Remarks that he will continue to submit to civil authority as long as he is assured he will be treated with the same rights as other citizens. Wants to be informed of the arrest charges and bail. Requests assurance that he will not be sent out of the territory or subjected to any military authority. Note on address leaf signed by Caesar A. Rodney and dated 9 June 1811 reads, ”a base calumny by a traitor to his country. A villian’s censure is untasted poison.” Date and place writ inferred from content.

Full Transcript: Sir, The Vindictive temper and unprincipled Conduct of Judge Rodney have induced me to withdraw for the present from public View - I nevertheless continue in the disposition, which has been uniformly Manifested of Submitting to civil authority so long as I can be assured that it will be exercised toward me within the limits prescribed for other citizens - , It is proper however before again Surrendering that I be informed of the Cause or charge, if any, for which it is proposed to arrest me - whether Bail will be received - The tenor of the Recognizance and the Term in which Security will be required - I ask further, your assurance that no attempt to send me out of the Ter[2]ritory shall be countenanced or permitted and that my person shall not be subjected to any Military Authority, , I have the honor to be, Your ObtSt, ABurr, , , , His Exy GovWilliams, , , [address leaf], , His Excy Gov. Williams, Washington, , [docket], , A Burr , to } letter, the Governor no date, , //A base calumny, by a traitor to No 5 [handwritten overnote], his country, a villians’ censure , is untasted poison, june 9 1811, C A Rodney

Background: Williams was the governor of the Mississippi territory. Burr’s major objective since 1804 was the separation of the Western states from the Union though there were other issues involved with the charges. Thomas Rodney was the presiding judge over the trial and Caesar A. Rodney was his son and the Attorney General under Jefferson. The jury acquitted Burr and his associates of treason in September 1807.